Lardiere Gallery & Studio — Attraction in Ephraim

My wife and I have loved Geoffrey Lardiere's art for years. Up until recently we owned two of his prints. His use of bright yellows, reds, oranges and blues oozes joy! When we moved into our new condo we realized we have a wall in our living room that was dark and needed something bright. The wall seemed to scream "I need a Lardiere print to brighten this place!" So I e-mailed Geoff about the possibility of buying another print. By the time I contacted Geoffrey he had already closed his gallery in Door County for the season so we had to work together electronically to find the right piece.

I was surprised to learn that Geoffrey no longer sells paper prints. Rather, he now sells his art on canvas or aluminum. Initially, I was disappointed and leery about not being able to get a framed paper print. However, Geoff was very helpful in going through the process of selecting the right print and even showing me what it would look like on our naked wall. Geoff was very patient and responsive.as he photoshopped multiple prints onto our wall and answered all kinds of questions over a period of weeks. By the time our print was ordered Geoff and I had exchanged dozens of e-mails and I felt like Geoff and I were fast friends. It is one thing to buy a piece of art. It is another to buy art from an artist who personalizes the experience by patiently working with you to find just the right piece. Oh, one more thing: I absolutely love the print on aluminum! There is no way I would go back to a paper print, matting and frame even if Geoffrey still made those available. The print on aluminum is...

If your experience in Door County was similar to mine, and you find yourself hoping to find fine art that fits outside of the touristy categories accessible on every street corner, this is the place to go. Geoffrey is an artist who grows, and the gallery is a mesmerizing capsule of the evolution of a complex, inspiring soul.

It seems strange that calling his work precisely what it is - beautiful - feels like an understatement. The work jumps forward to you with bursts of layered color in three dimensional space, a novel and welcoming celebration of whatever emotion seizes you. It is accessible in its beauty, but makes no sacrifices or compromises in its conceptual depth.

The gallery is designed with intent, leading you on a journey from the door to the far corners of the building across two floors. Geoffrey is available and full of stories and ideas, and is generous with his willingness to engage with you.

For my wife and I, it was a highlight of our trip to Door County that I wouldn't trade for any other. If you appreciate art and beauty, please, take the opportunity to experience the Lardiere Gallery. Door County is lucky to have such an...

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Door County, a stop at Lardiere Gallery in Ephraim is a must. Vibrant colors immediately catch your eye and draw you into the Gallery. One can immediately embrace the beauty of each piece of art and as you speak to the artist, Geoff Lardiere and his wife, Ann the stories begin to unfold about the meaning behind each piece. Stories that celebrate life, the pain of suffering through loss and the journey of healing make you appreciate his work all the more.

It was easy to find many pieces that spoke to us, harder to narrow it down. After choosing a few pieces, Geoff carefully packaged them and had them shipped to our home. When the crate arrived, it was like Christmas morning. We carefully unwrapped each piece anticipating the beauty it held. We were not disappointed and even found an extra surprise because Geoff took the time to write a personal message on the back of each piece.

Geoff’s bold use of colors and form speaks to our souls and brings our home such joy. Everyone should take the time and have...